Crest, Wreath, and Chapeau.
The Crest was formerly a device surmounting the helmet of a noble, so that he should be more easily recognised by his followers, amid the confusion of battle; for, the beaver or visor of the helmet concealing the face of the wearer, it would be impossible, without some conspicuous mark, to distinguish one leader from another. This, therefore, being the object which crests were intended to serve, they are not permitted to ensign the arms of ladies.
The helmet was encircled either with a crest-coronet (Fig. 186), or with a wreath formed of twisted silk, on which the crest appeared to be supported, and it is so represented in modern heraldry.
Fig. 186.
Fig. 187.
Fig. 188.
The wreath, bandeau, or torse, is composed of the predominant metal and colour contained in the arms, the metal being always placed towards the dexter end. Fig. 187.
The crest is also sometimes borne on a chapeau, or cap of maintenance, which may be of any tincture, but is usually represented as of crimson velvet, lined and guarded with ermine. Fig. 188. Unless specified to the contrary in the blazon, crests are always supposed to be supported on a wreath.
Two or more crests are sometimes seen ensigning a coat of arms; but if we consider what purpose crests were intended to serve, this practice is obviously
